Page:Romance of the Rose (Ellis), volume 2.pdf/52

24

Fair friend, ’twere well to curb your haste,

Instead of hanging, you may taste

A deeper vengeance; not for you

Is it the hangman’s work to do.

A traitor foul ’tis fair to cheat

With treason—hear me, I entreat.

Kind friend, in you will I confide

Alone, nor turn my heart aside.

And if you will but point the way

Of most effect by which to lay

Siege to the castle, gladly hear

Will I, whilst you the plan make clear.

I know a pleasant path and sure.

Though somewhat dangerous to poor

And needy men. To take the fort

There is a plan both safe and short

(Though in it hath no lot or part

My doctrine, that revolts your heart)

By which you may the walls displace,

Shaking each stone from tower to base,

While gates and doors will open fly,

Swung on their hinges suddenly.

All those who guard it would allow

Themselves beneath your yoke to bow

As prisoners, while no single word

Were spoken, nor a finger stirred.